 Istock |
|
HappyTree Yoga, Montreal – Purely Zentastic! |
|
 |
Share this story
   |
|
MONTREAL - It’s hard to not become stressed in our busy day-to-day lives with work, families, relationships, bills, and whatever else that could cause us to feel the pressures of life- it’s honestly surprising we all haven’t gone zonkers by now. Fret not (take a deep meditational breath), there is a great solution that has been around for ages- Yoga! It’s a great opportunity for you to take a brief moment to focus on yourself; a time to rebalance, recharge, and prepare to conquer those issues with a clearer, more focused self. There are dozens of studios in the city; however one of my favourites is HappyTree Yoga, owned and founded by Melanie Richards since 2007 in downtown Montreal. The studio has hard wood bamboo floors, warm inviting ambiance with its yoga inspired decor, welcoming staff, and a feeling of it being your home away from home. HappyTree Yoga also has beautifully designed change rooms with full amenities (ie shower, sinks, etc), and lockers for your valuables. We had a chance to sit together and shared a delicious cup of their free homemade yogi tea (similar to Chai without the tea itself) as we chatted about wonders of yoga and her studio before I attended her Yin Yoga class. HappyTree Yoga is a place open to every level of yoga (so don’t worry if you can’t bend into eight different pretzel formations- I can’t yet). There is a varied degree of classes in different styles (Hatha, Gentle, Hot, Shake your Assana, and Yin), and also a staff of great teachers who are always willing to adapt the practice to your needs and physical limitations. After all, it is not a sport it is a journey in life, as Melanie said, “yoga is a joie de vivre (joy of living).” She also said during our session of Yin Yoga that we should all take a moment to laugh, smile, and rediscover happiness in our daily lives. The studio offers different packages for you to explore the wonders of yoga. A single drop-in class is $18 ($9 for new members). A 5-class card is $80, 10-class card for $150, and 20-class card for $260. A great aspect to these package class cards is they are valid for a full year. This is great for those who plan to travel to Montreal frequently throughout a year, because you’ll have a studio waiting to see your smiley face. If you happen to come in to the studio and enjoy it so much that you feel ready to make the plunge into buying your own mat, gear, and props. Well, you’re in luck. Melanie has set up a corner of the studio with mats, shirts, water bottles, books and DVD’s on yoga, and also unique jewellery and products from local artisanal designers. I highly suggest you disconnect from your blackberries, computers, relationships (friends, family or otherwise), work, and whatever could be a source of stress for you and roll out a mat at HappyTree Yoga. I guarantee little yogi (someone who practices yoga) you’ll find yourself rejuvenated, recharged, and ready to tackle that four letter word –LIFE- that has us stressed more often than not. Namaste. (a Yoga term meaning: I bow my spirit to yours) 4010 Ste.Catherine St. West, Suite 200, Montreal (514) 846-9642 |
|
Comments |
|